Three mine owners have been sentenced to five years in prison each for their roles in the collapse of a gypsum mine that killed 33 people in north China's Hebei Province.

The Kangli mine in Shangwang village, Xingtai County, collapsed in November last year, damaging two other gypsum mines nearby and toppling a two-story building. The accident claimed 33 lives, and left 38 injured and four missing.

At Xingtai County People's Court, Zhang Guohong, Zhang Yukui, and Shang Bingshen were charged with negligence in dealing with safety risks even after being served with a correction notice from the local work safety bureau.

An investigation team organized by the State Council found that the three mines, which had no safety production permits, continued to operate after being told to cease production for safety maintenance.

Another three managers, Xu Chunsheng, Fan Shukui and Guo Xuekui, were each jailed for four years, according to Thursday's Hebei Daily.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2006)